Posted by Hal Armstrong on January 28, 2010 at 8:50am
I am requesting some help in locating new sources of supplys in the Arkansas area. Being new to the state i have only been able to find one dealer and they are really in need of some competion.I find im losing work because i cant be more competive with the net savy shoppers because what i can buy at is to high for me to put a resonable mark up on it.Please dont dicuss and specfic prices as they will viloate the site rules, but names of wholsalers is allowed and other usefull info is appreciated.
It is challenging to find fair pricing (some guys sell below for $0.02 above costs and others will sell for $300 above my costs). Even more challenging to find folks here tied directly to MADE IN USA. I wholeheartedly want to support other little guys like myself.
I have found that small product distributors are quite helpful and very tied to the local guys. For example, Tempaco Gas Products Distributor has a few branches around the state. I can get parts for gas heaters here, pipe dope, gas leak detection suds, they even put me in touch with a local gas contractor to install larger meters and run pipe. I sub that out to him now and he trades repairs back to me.
There are a few manufacturers that sell directly to us in the service indursty. I'v just learned of one such source. www.AcuraSpa.com The will sell to me instead of the regional hot tub distributor. Prices are a bit less too =)
I vowed last year Jan 2009 to lower my cost of goods by 10%. I was able to get it down to 33%. So I too am scouring for the better value on common items, like pvc schedule 40 fittings, sealants, Not so much comes off the internet, but other non pool industry distributors. A bit of a balance w/ paying shipping vs my time spent looking for the cheapest 2" Sch 40 coupling.
Mostly service with limited chemical delivery, also complete remodels. Scp is the only in state distributor ive found wwadcock is 500 miles away thats my only other choice. Optimus is in memphis and is closer but isnt anywhere near the prices i paid in florida.
Are you doing service, retail or construction? Many times you can find better deals from online retailers than you can @ local distributors. I think SCP is the only distributor in Arkansas. If you need parts you can try some sources like Optimus, Spa Parts Plus, Aquatics Parts Co. and Horizon.
Comments
I talked to Luke and it looks like i will sell there line of pools, pricing is good customers seems good looks like a win win.
I have found that small product distributors are quite helpful and very tied to the local guys. For example, Tempaco Gas Products Distributor has a few branches around the state. I can get parts for gas heaters here, pipe dope, gas leak detection suds, they even put me in touch with a local gas contractor to install larger meters and run pipe. I sub that out to him now and he trades repairs back to me.
I vowed last year Jan 2009 to lower my cost of goods by 10%. I was able to get it down to 33%. So I too am scouring for the better value on common items, like pvc schedule 40 fittings, sealants, Not so much comes off the internet, but other non pool industry distributors. A bit of a balance w/ paying shipping vs my time spent looking for the cheapest 2" Sch 40 coupling.
Who else has sources for parts and materials?
-Jeremy
Florida Leisure Pool & Spa
www.FLLeisure.com
http://optimusparts.com
http://spaparts.com
http://apcpoolandspaparts.com
http://horizonparts.net